Sky Bet EFL: Matchday round-up

12 December 2016

Dwight Gayle's hat-trick helped Newcastle United return to the top of the Sky Bet Championship in style.

The division's top scorer netted three in the 4-0 win over Birmingham City to take the Magpies back above Brighton & Hove Albion, who had hit the summit after their victory over Leeds United in Friday night's #10in10 opener.

Jaap Stam's Reading maintained third spot in the table after they got back to winning ways in a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday. Elias Kachunga and Nahki Wells got Huddersfield's goals in their 2-1 win against Bristol City, which took them back inside the top six - into fourth place.

Elsewhere, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham played out a 4-4 draw at Molineux. The Cottagers went in 3-1 up at the break but second-half strikes from Matt Doherty, Ivan Cavaleiro and Dave Edwards gave the hosts the lead. Floyd Ayite would have the final say, though, as he got his second goal deep into stoppage time to level the scores.

At the bottom, Rotherham United achieved their first win since August thanks to an Izzy Brown strike against Ian Holloway's Queens Park Rangers.

On Saturday evening, the second match of #10in10 saw a five-goal thriller played out at Deepdale, where Preston North End defeated Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers courtesy of two goals from Daniel Johnson and an 80th-minute winner from Callum Robinson. Rovers levelled twice through Danny Graham strikes but it was not enough to come away with any points in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Then, on Sunday, it was to the East Midlands where Derby County and Nottingham Forest crossed paths. Both sides were in fine form going into the game, but Tom Ince inspired the Rams to a 3-0 win in the third #10in10 fixture.

Scunthorpe United remained top of the table despite their 3-2 defeat away to Rochdale, although the gap between the Iron and the chasing pack was reduced.

Sheffield United picked up an impressive 4-0 win at home to Swindon Town with all four goals coming in the second half, while fourth-placed Bradford City were held at home to Charlton Athletic as Karl Robinson picked up an impressive point in his first Sky Bet League One test as Addicks boss.

In the day's early kick-off, Robbie Neilson got off to a winning start as MK Dons boss after his side defeated AFC Wimbledon 1-0 at stadiummk.

Peterborough beat Chesterfield 5-2 at the ABAX Stadium to remain sixth, but there's plenty of teams hot on the Posh's heels. Fleetwood Town's win moves them within a point of the top six, and Southend United also tasted victory to move within two.

Elswhere, Northampton Town got back to winning ways as Robert Page earned victory over former side Port Vale, bottom club Shrewsbury Town won 1-0 at Millwall and Bury lost for the 11th straight game, away at Bristol Rovers.

On Monday night, Bolton Wanderers cruised to a 4-0 win over Gillingham in front of the Sky Sports cameras in the latest instalment of #10in10. A double from Gary Madine and strikes from Josh Vela and Sammy Ameobi ensured the Trotters closed the gap at the top to just a point.

Plymouth Argyle regained top spot in Sky Bet League Two with a 2-0 triumph over promotion rivals Doncaster Rovers at Home Park.

The Pilgrims found themselves occupying pole position after Carlisle United were held to a 1-1 draw away at fifth-placed Luton Town. The Cumbrians led after just five minutes but Danny Hylton's equaliser soon after meant the spoils were shared.

Portsmouth picked up a 1-0 win at Grimsby to maintain fourth spot thanks to a fine Kal Naismith free-kick. Elsewhere in the top seven, Wycombe Wanderers and Blackpool both won 2-0 on their travels, against Notts County and Stevenage respectively.

Exeter City, Crawley Town, Barnet and Cambridge United also enjoyed victory on the road - particularly the latter - who romped to a 5-0 win at Hartlepool United. Leyton Orient found home comfort though, edging past 10-man Accrington Stanley 1-0.

Newport County's game was abandoned during the half-time break at Rodney Parade with the Exiles were leading 1-0 against Morecambe, after the match was deemed unplayable following a heavy downpour.